What a prescribing pharmacist can do
Alberta gives pharmacists one of the broadest scopes of practice in Canada. With Additional Prescribing Authorization, our pharmacists do far more than fill prescriptions:
- Assess and treat minor ailments such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, pink eye, cold sores, rashes and seasonal allergies, and prescribe the treatment when it is appropriate.
- Renew ongoing prescriptions for stable conditions such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, thyroid and asthma, so you never run out while waiting for a doctor’s appointment.
- Adjust doses and switch medications when something is not working, causes side effects, or is out of stock.
- Prescribe in an emergency when you have lost your medication or are away from home.
- Order and interpret tests where needed, including our on-site strep, UTI, COVID-19 and influenza tests, and refer you when a doctor’s care is needed.
- Keep your doctor in the loop. Every prescription we write is documented and shared with your physician or nurse practitioner.
How an appointment works
- Book online or walk in. Booking guarantees a time; walk-ins are seen between appointments.
- Private assessment in our consultation room: your symptoms, history, allergies and current medications.
- A decision you understand. A prescription if appropriate, self-care advice, a test, or a referral to a doctor, explained in plain language.
- Filled on the spot, usually within 10 minutes, or sent to another pharmacy if you prefer.
- Follow-up. We check how the treatment is working and adjust if needed.
Conditions we can assess and treat
- Acne
- Allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies)
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Cold sores
- Constipation
- Contraception
- Dermatitis (atopic, eczema, allergic and contact)
- Diaper rash
- Diarrhea
- Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)
- Emergency contraception (Plan B)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fungal nail infections
- Fungal skin infections
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Gingivitis and periodontitis
- Hemorrhoids
- Impetigo
- Lice
- Motion sickness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
- Oral thrush
- Otitis externa (swimmer's ear)
- Otitis media (middle ear infection)
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Pinworms
- Scabies
- Smoking cessation
- Strep throat
- Traveller's diarrhea
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Vulvovaginal candidiasis (yeast infection)
What it costs
Alberta Health covers many pharmacist assessments and prescription renewals for Albertans with a valid health card. Some services carry a small assessment fee, and the medication itself is billed to your drug plan as usual. We always tell you the cost before we start.
We do not prescribe for serious or complex infections, controlled substances, or conditions that need a physical examination, imaging or specialist care. If that is what you need, we tell you right away and help you get to the right place.
Questions
Do I need an appointment to see the prescribing pharmacist?
No. You can walk in during opening hours, but booking an assessment online guarantees you a time and keeps your wait short.
Will my doctor know?
Yes. We document every assessment and prescription and send a note to your family doctor or nurse practitioner, so your record stays complete.
Can the pharmacist prescribe antibiotics?
For specific conditions such as strep throat or an uncomplicated UTI, yes, often after a quick on-site test confirms the diagnosis. For more serious infections we refer you to a doctor.
What should I bring?
Your Alberta Personal Health Card, photo ID and a list of the medications you take. If you have had tests or a recent diagnosis, bring any paperwork.
